Best mac for FCP

Ladies and Gentlemen,
Would anybody be so kind and tell me what is the minimal set up I would need for FCP? I'm not a professional and would be using it for dabbling rather then serious work. Would Mac Book be sufficient? How much memory would I need?
Best
Slon

check this out Sion, this is your best bet for
consideration of requirements
http://www.apple.com/finalcutstudio/specs.html
Thanks Andy,
Much appreciated
Slon

Similar Messages

  • Need advise on best settings for FCP 7!

    I am looking for some advice on the best settings for FCP 7 when I am syncing sound using pluraleyes, exporting into quicktime as one file and then importing that new file into FCP 7 for editing. I have noticed that sometimes my Quicktime files are very large (20 gb) and sometimes they are much smaller (130 MB), but I never changed the settings.
    I am working on FCP 7 and shot using my Panasonic GH3 at 24 fps (which comes to 23.98). My frame size is 1920x1080. Compressor is H.264. Data rate: 8.6 MB/sec. Audio rate: 48.0 KHz.  I have heard that FCP 7 does not properly deal with H.264. So, I am wondering, what should my settings be?  Should I set to "Apple ProRes 422 (HQ) 1920x1080 24p 48 kHz"?  Is there anything I need to know when I export to Quicktime 7 Pro in order to not reduce the quality of the video? Should I be changing my video files first before I even start to work on them?
    I haven't edited in almost ten years so I am desperate need of some guidance!
    Final Cut Pro 7, Mac OS X (10.6.8)

    Hi Shane Ross,
    Thanks for your help.  So, I already synced all of my interviews in FCP 7 (using pluraleyes) before I changed the video to ProRess 422.  Can I just go into FCP (in the same project) and compress the video footage, import the new video files and throw it into the timeline? Or will this cause issues? I tried this as a test and it seems to be okay but I just want to check that there aren't any issues that I am not considering.
    Also, when I do compress, it seems to take forever (sometimes two hours). Is there any way to make this move along faster?
    Thanks so much!

  • What's the best Mac for running Final Cut Pro X?

    Title says it all. What's the best Mac for running Final Cut Pro X? I'm not looking to make a feature length hollywood film. But I'd like to be able to edit video without lag.

    Yes. Begin with the fastest processor / graphics card / and as much RAM as you can afford. (As all three will become obsolete over time.)
    I started from scratch. I have a 27-inch iMac with a 3.4 G Intel Core i7. (currently the fastest processor for an iMac) I also ordered the best graphics card--AMD Ratheon HD. I ordered 16G of RAM, but recently added more RAM to equal 24G. (OWC makes good after-market RAM for iMACs.)
    Last, I ordered a flash drive / SATA hard drive combo.  (250G on flash / ITB on SATA). The OS and all of my applications run off the flash drive. (for fast start up!)
    I put all of my media and FCP projects onto the SATA hard drive.
    Now, I had the option to order a 2TB SATA. But, I realized I can always buy more external storage as I edit more and more projects. ALSO! FCPX is GREAT when it comes to editing projects on external drives! I can segregate an entire project and its media files onto a removeable drive. I simply launch FCPX, plug in the drive and--poof!--I'm ready to edit. It sees the project and the media right away. When I'm done editing, I can then send this drive to another editor (also using FCPX) or attach it to my MacBook if I want to edit the same project in the field.
    This has worked for me. I wish you luck.

  • What is the best mac for me? (budget: 1299$)

    What is the best mac for me? I will use it for:
    - Game programming and development
    - School research
    - Word proccessing
    - Presentations
    - Programming in Java
    - Programming in C++
    - Programming Iphone games and Objective-C
    - Gaming
    So can you tell me as fast as you can, my budget is 1299$

    FYI:  Macs are not gaming machines. 
    PERSONAL OPINION:  Nothing beats Microsoft (PCs) and/or Sony when it comes to gaming.  Macs can play games.  However, if you are a gamer, get a PC.

  • Best computer for FCP

    Greetings,
    I have been editing feature films and video projects on my PowerMac G4 867Mhz for 5 years. I use FCP 5.1 and DVD Studio Pro mostly.
    To replace my computer, I would like to buy a 24" iMac with a 7200rpm Hard Drive for smooth handling of HD footage. Does anyone know how this model performs with Final Cut Studio apps?
    Also, I gave some thought to a MacPro, but it just seems like too much power for what I usually do.
    I was thinking of buying a MacBook Pro, since I mostly do straight cuts and little 3D effects. Also, being mobile is a plus, but the price is a bit steep.
    In addition to the iMac, I would like to buy a MacBook, where I could do simple cuts on the go (I know it is not supported, but many collegues have said FCP works fine on MacBook).
    Any advice/ experience stories are appreciated.
    Thanks in advance.

    While some use the iMac for FCP, it is not an ideal solution as you can not add any additional internal disks for scratch drives nor add a pci firewire card or to isolate the camera from the external drive it is highly recommended you have. In addition, if you do decide to work at higher datarate formats, there is no way to add a pci esata card or an HD card either.
    All in all, not a 'best computer for fcp'.
    Go with a MacBookPro 17" which has a large enough screen to edit with on the go or a MacPro desktop. Both allow for expansion of capabilities.
    good luck.
    x

  • What is the best Mac for gaming?

    Ok so as the title says, I was wondering what is the best Mac for gaming, I would like to play at least some old games which I have laying around the house when I'm at the airport or whatever. I read that macs are not that good at gaming but they do work at some degree :P
    Also I was wondering, me and my friend were arguing why is a Mac not considered a PC. I my arguments where that a PC means it has all that nasty, heavy, big hardware, with all the cards and stuff and that a mac just has the slick monitor with some stuff in it :P and a keyboard/mouse. His arguments were that even if macs only have the stuff mentioned above, it should still be considered a PC since it is afterall a Personal Computer.
    Thanks a lot and hopefully you'll settle my argument and aswear my question.

    Best computer for gaming is always the one with the highest specs. But generally speaking, a base macbook does ok. The major piece you need to increase FPS on a mac is a video card though, so generally the Pros or iMacs will be a better choice.
    Your friend is right, PC = Personal Computer. Mac's run the exact same hardware as a PC, just run different OS's. But its a term that got misplaced with windows in the flame wars of every forum post. P.S. Mac pros are a tower with no screen, just like the traditional windows ones.

  • Best mac for ae6?

    what is the best mac for ae6?

    While I prefer Macs to PCs, I would suggest that unless/until Apple updates their MacPro line, you will get significantly better bang for your buck with a PC. Windows 7 is actually a great operating system and it works really well with Adobe products, so don't worry about the platform not being stable. Lenovo and HP both make great workstations.
    If you are dead set on a Mac, Rick's advice is spot on.

  • Need help finding the best Mac for gf

    hi I need help finding the best desktop. I am looking to buy MAC for gf.
    she uses final cut program question is does the GB/RAM/STORAGE matter on performance?
    She has a 2009 Apple computer I want to upgrade her to a new one
    I Dont know much when it comes to specs. She edits tons of videos and pictures.
    what's recommended for a video/photo editor that's good in performance ?

    Pro consumer might go with iMac even.
    Final Cut Pro latest benefits from dual AMD graphics.
    Video is one animal, graphics a much different.
    Great site full of performance, buying and configuration ideas:
    MacPerformance Go to the main topics
    I think you need to get clear on budgets. start with mid range and add all the options and can spend $4,000 or $7,000.
    Go to the Mac Store and do some looking and Google for reviews of software, hardware of course.
    Barefeats
    Rumors Pro
    Visit the forum for FCP-X would be a place to start.
    Final Cut Pro X

  • Best Mac for my money...

    I'm currently using a Mac Pro 1,1.
    Processor  2 x 2.66 GHz Dual-Core Intel Xeon
    Memory  16 GB 667 MHz DDR2 FB-DIMM
    Graphics  ATI Radeon HD 5770 1024 MB & a GeForce 8800 GT
    Storage 3 1.5 TB 7200rpm disks (not raided, honestly don't know much about RAID...) and 1 2TB Time Machine HD
    Running Lion.
    I also own the first unibody 17inch MacBook Pro but suing FCP on it is like kicking myself in the face. It works but it's not fun, it's great for other stuff though.
    It's a great machine, but it's obviously old and underpowered. FCX works but it's a slooooooow process doing much of anything in it. So I have a couple options right now given yesterdays updates, etc.
    1) Buy a new Mac. So lets say I have between 2-4 grand to spend. Whats the best bang for my buck here? Can I keep my old Mac Pro and use it to cluster render? Do I get a new Mac Pro (I understand even the "new" ones are still old machines basically) or get a iMac or the newest Macbook Pro and an external monitor?
    2) Upgrade the processor in my Mac Pro 1,1. I can get the Xeon 5365's for about 3-4 hundred on ebay. Hatter mentioned this might be a good thing despite having 3 or 4 local techs tell me I'm crazy to even consider it.
    3) Just trudge along till a revamp of the Mac Pro comes out. I mean, I'm making it but time is money and I know I could be working faster than this, although I guess I don't really know how much faster a new Mac Pro will make FCX move.
    I'd appreciate any feedback, you guys rock.

    >one of the CS5 suites
    Well, if the OP doesn't have $$ for a new computer, I doubt there is $$ for CS5 Production Premium, and certainly not CS5 Master Collection
    As far as CS4... I really don't think it will run very well on that computer, since my previous computer was similar and would just barely run CS3
    That computer is certainly not going to be able to edit HD video very well, if at all, and will be slow (see my 1st reply) even with SD video
    I still think Premiere Elements is a better choice
    And, to the OP
    Read Harm on drive setup http://forums.adobe.com/thread/662972?tstart=0
    - click the embedded picture in Harm's message to enlarge to reading size
    - you need AT LEAST 2 drives for video editing, 3 is better
    - some HD formats work better with (require) RAID
    Read Hunt on Partitions http://forums.adobe.com/thread/650708?tstart=0
    A link with many ideas about computer setup http://forums.adobe.com/thread/436215?tstart=0
    And even more hardware discussion http://forums.adobe.com/community/premiere/hardware_forum
    Read Bill Hunt on a file type as WRAPPER http://forums.adobe.com/thread/440037?tstart=0
    What is a CODEC... a Primer http://forums.adobe.com/thread/546811?tstart=0
    What CODEC is INSIDE that file? http://forums.adobe.com/thread/440037?tstart=0
    Old or Used Software http://www.emsps.com/oldtools/ Or http://www.retrosoftware.com/
    http://forums.adobe.com/message/1636890 warns about buying from eBay

  • Which Mac for FCP budget-minded

    I'm really excited to join your group...being a current user of "other" brands of PC and editors and want to switch to FCP.
    Heading to the Apple store today so I can start using FCP. Which Mac is recommended for FCP to edit small features, shorts, music vids, et al.
    Choices =
    iMAC 24 fully config'd (great screen, but not really portable)
    Macbook Pro 17 (portable but smaller screen)...and if so, the 100gb 7200 disk or is the 160gb 5400 disk ok for a boot drive.
    Can't afford a Mac Pro.

    If, despite all advice to the contrary, you still go for the MacBook Pro then I'd recommend the base 17” MacBook Pro (MBP) configuration, with 160GB 5400 RPM hard disc option, and an additional 1 GB RAM (to make 3 GB total).
    Why the 17” model?
    Because when editing you need as much screen space as possible. Yes, it is bigger and heavier than the 15”, but I think that it’s larger and higher resolution display is worth that sacrifice.
    Why the bigger but slower 160GB 5400 RPM hard disc option?
    Laptop drives already have a much smaller capacity than their desktop cousins and those little drives, inevitably, fill up quickly with all your stuff!
    And of course, you're planning to get an external media drive too, right? If you don’t have one then your internal disc will be eaten up by clip media in no time (especially if you opted for the smaller faster internal disc).
    Why 3 GB RAM?
    Well OK, thats an expensive option, but seriously, if you can afford it the money is well spent.
    I'd also strongly recommend the extended AppleCare Protection Plan.

  • Best Setup for FCP X

    So...I have a Mac Pro, Dual 2.8 Quad Core with 24 GB of RAM.  I beefed up the video card and the RAM just for FCP X....but I swear, it runs painfully slow.  I'm about to boot this thing and go for portability.  Will the high end Macbook Pro deliver what I think FCP X should be like?

    I feel your pain sszeto.  I still have my old MAC Clone.  Remember the UMAX 900?  I have that in my sailboat and I'm still using it.  Kinda useless but it does the job.
    I still feel that going SSD is the way to go.  Clinton might back me up on this one.
    I believe, and still do that desktop are faster than laptops.  I have a 4 year old i7 920 Windows desktop that is faster in Photoshop than my late 2011 MB Pro.  I just went portable because I travel too much and I hate lugging around my desktop.
    My suggestion: try out the SSD on your Mac PRO and if you feel that it's not helping, when you get your new MB Pro, you can install that SSD in your MB Pro and really see the difference in speed.
    Makes sense?

  • What's the best Mac for Photoshop?

    I daily work on layered photoshop files, up to 10 (ten) GB. I currently have a G5 with 8 gb of ram. I finally can afford to upgrade to a faster computer and need to figure out if the 8core 2.93GHZ at $5,899 is the best buy for me. The 8 core 2.26GHZ is $3299. For an additional $2500 I would need to know that I will get at least 15% increase in speed. I remember back in the day when I picked out the fastest g5, when I later compared it to a slower G5, the difference in speed was barely noticeable, and when I upgraded to 8GB of RAM I discovered that photoshop could only take advantage of 2 GB.
    Does photoshop benefit from 8core vs 4 core?
    Will an 8 core 2.26ghz be faster than a 4 core 2.93GHZ when working in photoshop?
    Is there something new coming out, so I would benefit from waiting with my purchase?

    I work on big files, tho not that big.
    For many of the time-critical things I do in Photoshop seem to be single-processor, so even tho I have an 8-core machine, often only one is being used. This includes things like flatening and saving. So I am not sure that (unless you have other programs running) you would ever see an advantage to more than 4 cores.
    What I do notice when I work with big files, is that I keep a copy of Activity Monitor open, and whenever the green sector in memory goes to zero, my computer becomes unusably slow, and I usually reboot. I don't understand memory managment on the Mac, but whatever "inactive" means, it really means "swap yourself to death". So I have 14GB of RAM on my computer, and I usually don't run out even when dealing with big files. But I know that 8GB would not have been enough. Photoshop may not use more than 2GB, but it and the OS can cache materials and when those caches get too big, my computer comes to a halt. With your files, you may find 32GB to be useful.
    What I have done is to burn a CD or DVD with one big psd/psb file and walk down to my local Apple Store. The machines there don't have much RAM, but you can get some feeling for 4 cores vs. 8 cores. Reboot them before you do anything.
    One thing I would strongly recommend you do not try is what I did with my old G5--install a RAID. It only increased opportunities for losing files, and while it certainly sped up many file operations, I don't think any Photoshop operations were affected at all.
    A

  • Best Mac for fast video encoding?

    Wondering which Mac may be the best choice for fast (at at least faster) encoding of video files and creation of disc image and then burning a dvd disc. I'm doing home videos with my digital camera, about 50 minutes long.
    On my Dual 1ghz G4 PM, it seems to take forever, maybe 6-8 hours. Anyone know or can quess how long it takes for the new iMac Core 2 duo versus a low end Mac Pro?

    on my antiqué hard/software (450Mega!Hz, 1GB RAM, 10.3.) combo, iDVD encoding needs 8 - 10x of the length of project... (1h project= 8h encoding)
    sooo, to improve speed:
    * make sure, you're within specs of iApps - avoid compressed material, stay with .DV encoded video, .aiff encoded audio, .pic encoded stills...
    * make sure, you have at last 10 - 15GB free on internal drive (ext. doesn't matter for this issue)
    * make sure, all project data are located on internal drive
    * … if not, make sure ext. drive is firewire connected and formatted to "MacOsExtended/hfs"...
    * avoid other CPU/harddrive consuming tasks, as ripping CDs, rendering 4D animations, Spotlight indexing...
    I've seen überMacs, Intel quads/4GBRam, encoding in less then realtime...
    if you don't need fancy iDVD menus, playout movie (=realtime...) to some DVD/Harddrive standalone as from Pioneer (<<link to commercial website!), my 520 does the (hardware accelerated) encoding/burning of 1h video in about 5-10minutes...

  • The Best Mac For Gaming

    Hi Everyone. I'm sure this topic has come quite a bit, so I'll try to make as short to the point as I can.
    Basically, I have a 2008 black MacBook, and I have recently have gotten into computer gaming. It turns out that my graphic card is horrible for gaming, and I cannot upgrade it.
    Of course, I still want to stick with Macs, so I'm thinking about getting an entire new Mac, and I have a few specific questions.
    Is it better to get a new Mac, or is there some way to upgrade my current Mac that I do not know about?
    If I must get a new one, out of all the Macs, which one is the best for gaming (except the Mac Pro cause that is to expensive)?
    Is there speculation of any new Macs coming out in the near future? Basically, should I wait to get a new one?
    Currently, I'm thinking about getting the 13' MacBook Pro sometime in the next month or so before the student discount goes out.
    Thank you in advance for all your help. I really do appreciate it.

    Lamb,
    Welcome to Apple Discussions.
    Currently the best Mac with the exception of the Mac Pro is the i7 iMac. It offers the most processing power and most powerful GPU. That would probably be your best bet as your current machine with the exception of maxing out the RAM and installing a different HD is about all you can do. The i7 iMac once configured is also not upgradeable with the exception of the RAM. If you want upgradeability and power the Mac Pro is the only Mac alternative.
    BTW per the Terms of Use in these forums we cannot speculate on new Apple products or their decisions on current products. You can find the TofU directly to your right.
    While the 13" MBP is a fine machine it's not really considered the best alternative for gaming, if you want a MBP rather than an iMac then your best bet is probably a i5 15" MBP.
    Regards,
    Roger

  • Best workflow for FCP 7 HVX200 or XHA1?

    I know these are older technologies but if you could get a great deal on an Canon XHA1 or HVX200 with 16gb card for roughly the same price (1500 for Canon, 1600 for Panasonic) what would you pull the trigger on?
    I need a camera to take on the road to do some simple interviews for a documentary. The more complicated shoots will be done by my DP and his much better equipment.
    But when I figure rental fees, convenience, and the likelihood I may need it to do some more simple projects by my lonesome in the future it could be a good investment if the price is right.
    Both cameras are being sold from (seemingly) reputable industry professionals who are upgrading their own inventory and have given histories of the respective cameras uses, environments, hours, and any repairs.
    My top priority is picture quality and workflow with FCP7. I know Canon has the better chips but is tape. How are the P2 cards with FCP7? What's the best bang for buck picture-wise? Of course other features will be taken into consideration. It's been a while since I shot on my own so I am a little out of touch with technology. Thanks for any insights!
    Thanks,
    BJ
    www.bjbarretta.com

    Both are very good cameras. The Panasonic uses P2 cards and the work flow on that (DVCPRO) and the HDV of the Canon are both supported in FCP7. The P2 is ingressed via Log and Transfer using the builtin P2 plugin which can easily be set for ProRes 422. The Canon uses basic firewire and log and capture. They both have 4 pin firewire connection and of the two the Canon is more renowned for being fidly and hard to connect. That said There are lots of XHA1 out there (I have an XHA1S no issues). Picture quality is fantastic on both and you pays your money ... your question was workflow's .. ingest the captured product either DVDPRO or HDV to ProRes and away you go..
    Jim

Maybe you are looking for